http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog Get Updates on Gas Safe Register, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Fixing and Commercial Services Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:53:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/plastering-and-skimming-the-best-way-repairing-cracks-in-walls-and-ceiling/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/plastering-and-skimming-the-best-way-repairing-cracks-in-walls-and-ceiling/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:49:12 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=113 Plastering and skimming Plastering is a term that you builders will use to explain a clean smooth walls and ceiling ready for painting and you will often but what you need to know is the plastering is not the actually final smooth wall but skimming is the final product  Your plastering and Skimming Company will apply a 2 ’sets’ or coats, applied in quick succession during the same session. Your professional plasterer will then apply a second coat is smoothed as it hardens, to give a smooth finish similar to eggshell texture. The wall and ceiling may take a number of days to dry and must allow enough time for that before starting and other work, during the drying process the wall will appear darker in the areas that still retain some moisture. Once dry and pale, it’s ready for decorating. You take the advice professional painters and decorators on the best way to paint the wall after skimming or plastering Choose an experience plastering and skimming company in London is very important to achieve long lasting smooth walls and ceiling Plaster repair/Cracks and Holes The cracks in the ceiling or walls that you see can be  as a reslts of stress points or more serious issues in the building structure, repairing cracks in plaster is not a simple job, you hire a professional plasterer to assess the severity of the cracks and apply the appropriate building materials]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/plastering-and-skimming-the-best-way-repairing-cracks-in-walls-and-ceiling/feed/ 0 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/the-most-popular-type-of-loft-conversion-and-house-extensions-in-london/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/the-most-popular-type-of-loft-conversion-and-house-extensions-in-london/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:06:53 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=108 Plumbers, Electricians, Bathroom fitters will help you to achieve your dream loft conversion at a reasonable cost  Popular House Extensions : Rear Extensions Extending your house to add extra kitchen space or a living room will add value to your house even at the current house market situation The benefits of loft conversions and House Extensions Generating extra space in your loft will add a value to your house and most importantly adding space to your life that can be used for a variety of everyday living activities: office space, extra bedroom, playroom and storage Many families in London also use it to generate extra house income by renting a self contained studio flat but you have a cleaver design to achieve the level needed for that Choosing professional builders in London will help keeping your cost down and get you value for money]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/the-most-popular-type-of-loft-conversion-and-house-extensions-in-london/feed/ 0 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/under-floor-heating-systems-can-provide-a-real-alternative-to-traditional-heating-systems/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/under-floor-heating-systems-can-provide-a-real-alternative-to-traditional-heating-systems/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:31:55 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=104 under floor heating fitter or plumber should be able to advice on the best option to your property]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/under-floor-heating-systems-can-provide-a-real-alternative-to-traditional-heating-systems/feed/ 0 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/advice-on-upgrading-your-boiler-and-central-heating-system/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/advice-on-upgrading-your-boiler-and-central-heating-system/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:12:36 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=100 Gas Safe Registerred Plumber should be able to advice on the best options for your home The Main types of Boiler and heating systems are: Conventional Boilers Conventional boilers are generally used in conjunction with a hot water cylinder and roof tanks and radiators. You can find that available for oil or gas, floor standing or wall mounted Many people do not have the space needed to accommodate the water cylinder so that system may not suite every home Megaflow system- delivering more hot water The system works based on a mains pressure system takes water directly from the mains and supplies it to both the hot and cold systems. You again need a space to have your hot water tank Condensing Boilers Very efficiency system that works very well but again may not fit all type of properties Combination Boilers (Combi Boilers) The perfect solution for small space, no need for hot water tanks and you run all your heating and hot water from the boiler direct Condensing Combination Boiler (Condensing Combi) This system gives you the extra efficiency of a condensing boiler as well as the advantages of a combination boiler]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/advice-on-upgrading-your-boiler-and-central-heating-system/feed/ 0 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/how-to-cope-with-wiring-or-rewiring-your-home/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/how-to-cope-with-wiring-or-rewiring-your-home/#comments Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:59:58 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=95  Hints and Tips  You must make sure you hire a qualified Electrician to do the works Have a plan and take your electrician advise seriously and remember that there are limitations on the number of sockets that can be run off an electricity supply. The cost of your installations is very much depends on the number of sockets, spotlight, lights, tv points, telephone point and all your other extra supply point your require and budgets can soar if you suddenly decide to increase or change your plans  Electrical  Installations requires running wires, opening new channels in walls and ruin that lovely wall papers so be prepared to do some decorating works once your electrician is finished so, when booking the electrician also think about booking in a decorator for a week after the job is due to finish.]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/how-to-cope-with-wiring-or-rewiring-your-home/feed/ 0 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/how-to-cope-with-fitting-a-new-kitchen-in-your-house/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/how-to-cope-with-fitting-a-new-kitchen-in-your-house/#comments Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:24:19 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=89 Installing a new kitchen can take anything from one to three or four weeks depends on the size of your kitchen, the preparation works required before the start of the installation and that can be extremely disruptive to your normal every day home life Having a new kitchen is certainly a worthwhile investment that adds value to your property and makes your kitchen the real heart of your home Tips and Hints Your kitchen fitter will remove your old kitchen and that  means a lot of dirt and dust Some of the old houses when that process takes place the walls gets exposed and the plaster could be revealed which contribute to a big percentage f the dust created ( my advise is to buy good quality dust sheets and cover as much surfaces as possible starting with covering the door or halls leading to your kitchen, if your hire an experienced kitchen fitter or professional builders they will most luckily follow that advise)  Recycle your old Appliances, why not contact your local council and get some advice on the best way to recycle your old kitchen appliances or ask your kitchen fitter for advise Pack ahead and make sure you label everything so you can find that tea mug when you really need to have your mooning cup Know your local fast food stores for a quick lunch or a late dinner Laundry, remember that your washing machine may be in that kitchen and your works uniform or that lovely dress you need for an important meeting must  be washed, so be prepared !!]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/how-to-cope-with-fitting-a-new-kitchen-in-your-house/feed/ 0 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/installing-a-new-boiler/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/installing-a-new-boiler/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:45:51 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=72 Gas safe engineer will be able to advice on the best system for your property so make sure you consult with them first before buying your new boiler]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/installing-a-new-boiler/feed/ 0 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/adding-new-bathroom-or-en-suite/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/adding-new-bathroom-or-en-suite/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:20:24 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=69 bathroom fitter will be able to pick the right materials for your available space The possibility of adding a new bathroom or en-suite is endless but you must consider the one major factor in deciding the location of the new bathroom or toilet  Drains and plumbing You Bathroom will have to be connected to drains and plumbing. Sanitary fittings must be connected to a soil stack which is 100 mm (4in) diameter vertical pipe leading to an underground drain at an inspection chamber ( the manhole) The gradient of the drain should be neither too steep or to shallow, otherwise the possibility of blockages might occur, your plumber should be able to advise on the best sloution Where it is not possible to connect directly to the manhole, there are other options available such as Saniflo - http://www.saniflo.com that can serve a new shower or bath tube]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/adding-new-bathroom-or-en-suite/feed/ 1 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/building-regulations-party-walls/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/building-regulations-party-walls/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 08:28:49 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=67 In England and Wales work carried out on a part of your property which adjoins your neighbours, must comply with the Party Wall Act 1996. A party wall is any wall on the boundary line of two or more properties and includes garden walls as well as the walls of buildings, when you are carrying out work that will affect the structural strength or support function of the party wall or might cause damage to the neighbouring side of the wall you must officially (normally in writing) notify your affected neighbour. The notice must be served at least two months before the intended start date of the work, giving details of the work to be carried out, But most importantly, no work may start until all neighbouring parties have agreed in writing to the notice. The process is simple but is some cases you may need to seek advice from your building control office, a party wall surveyor or an architect You could ask your Local Builders for advice]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/building-regulations-party-walls/feed/ 3 http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/building-maintenance-and-refurbishment-services-in-london/ http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/building-maintenance-and-refurbishment-services-in-london/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 08:13:12 +0000 firstbuilders http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/?p=64 First Builders qualified tradesmen service  including, build a house extension, Plastering , tiling, painting and decorating, update or renovate your bathroom, house, kitchen, living space or an office.  First Builders quote service is completely free and all works is reasonably priced  Our staff are experienced in all aspects of house renovation worksin London: plumbers, carpenters, painters and decorators, bricklayers, electricians, carpenters and builders]]> http://www.firstbuilders.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/06/building-maintenance-and-refurbishment-services-in-london/feed/ 1